Man-computer interfacing device

ABSTRACT

A man-computer interfacing device comprises a truncated seat and a thoracolumbar rest that enforce an ergonomic and erect posture of a computer operator operating a computer. An anti-slouching strut connect both seat and rest. A stem, a base with or with casters support and give mobility to the device. The device further comprises platforms for keyboard, mouse, touch pad and accessories. These platforms are maintained and positioned at a level below the surface whereon the display screen and monitor of the computer and the like are. These platforms cause the muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper extremities of the operator to be in relaxed position.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] A man-computer interfacing device means for eliminating theincompatibility between the biomechanical design of a computer operatorand the design of the computers and workstation.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is a device for narrowing differencebetween biomechanical design of man and mechanical design of computers.

[0003] Specifically, the present invention is to reduce or eliminateinjuries to a computer operator using a computer and the like due tosaid difference in designs.

[0004] The present invention provides a scientific solution to aperplexing dilemma being faced by all American corporations as a resultof new Federal rules and regulations affecting computer workstation andworkplace.

[0005] The present invention further provides a scientific solution tosolve the economic burden being faced by all American corporations inorder to fix the computer workstation to comply with said rules andregulations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Since man invented machine to serve mankind, the dilemma hasalways been to invent the friendly machine which will perform its dutybut at the same time not injuring its human operator. For example, forobvious reasons, improvement is continually being made to vehicles suchas automobile. However, said improvement has not been achieved in thedesign of the computer, laptop configuration and the like and theworkstation in which man uses said machines.

[0007] On of the obvious reason is that evolution has not designed manwith machines in mind. Therefore, there is an immense incompatibilitybetween man and computer. In the case with car, this incompatibility wasobvious and immense research and stride to reduce this incompatibilityhave been made. There are better and safer cars.

[0008] On the contrary, the man-machine incompatibility between man andcomputer, laptop and the like and the workplace are less understood.Comparatively, there is much less research in this area. There is a lackof scientific information leading to an improvement of the interactionbetween man and computer and the like.

[0009] Without the above data, it is virtually impossible to identifythe faulty design and features of a computer workstation. Even withidentification, the cost for modification and improvement of theexisting workstation can be prohibitively expensive and a dauntingphysical undertaking. In America, there are more people operating andspending more hours with computers, laptop configurations, machines andthe like than those driving cars. The injury and cost are staggering anddwarf those caused by car accidents.

[0010] The present invention provides a solution to the above dilemmasfacing the computer workstation and the like. It is a result ofextensive research performed by this applicant based on science andmedicine. A brief description can be found in applicant's earlier U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/473,039, filed Dec. 28, 1999, entitledFree-Standing Computer Monitor Copy Holder for Preventing RepetitiveStrain Injury and in application Ser. No. 09/243,731, filed Feb. 1,1999, entitled Thumb-Little-Finger Controlled Computer Mouse. Thesubject matters in both applications were allowed by the Patent Officeat the time of the filing of this application. It is also described inpatent application Ser. No. 09/722,864, filed Nov. 25, 2000 entitledOptical Device For Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries.

[0011] Essentially, the information may be summarized as follows:

[0012] Poor posture and movement such as slouching posture in which theneck jutting forward towards the computer monitor and rounding of theshoulders and body and incorrectly designed workstation cause stress andstrain on the muscle, joint, nerve, ligament, intervertebral disk,vertebrae of the neck and low back. Acute, chronic or insidious injuriessuch as those associate with poor posture and movement superimposed onaging process causing the intervertebral disk, ligament, muscle, jointto deteriorate faster. These structures become less able to absorbshock, stress and strain, less supportive and protective of the vitalspinal nerves and cord. Ultimately, they resulted in the distortion ofthe soft tissues of the spine, pinching of the spinal nerves and spinalcord.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present computer design and workstation can causecomputer-related injuries to a computer operator. The present inventioneliminates many aspect of the incompatibility between biomechanicaldesign of a computer operator and the design of a computer and theworkstation. Said device modifies the workstation to make it morefriendly to the human body.

[0014] A man-computer interfacing device comprises a truncated seat anda thoracolumbar rest that enforce an ergonomic and erect posture of acomputer operator operating a computer. Said device further comprises ananti-slouching strut connecting both said seat and rest. A stem, a basewith or with casters support and give mobility to said device. Thedevice further comprises a plurality of platforms for keyboard, mouse,touch pad, accessories and the like which are maintained at a levelbelow the surface whereon the computer monitor and display screen are.These platforms in said setting cause the muscles of the neck, shouldersand upper extremities of the operator to be in relaxed, minimally orinactive state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015] Perspective view of the present invention

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The diagram is a perspective view of the present invention, aman-computer interfacing device 1.

[0017] Man-computer interfacing device 1 optimize the interactionbetween man and machine such as, but not limited to, computer, laptopconfiguration, television, video terminal and various other machines.Device 1 narrows the gap between the difference in the biomechanicaldesign of a human operator of a computer, laptop configuration and thelike and the mechanical design of said machines, their accessories andthe workstation wherein said operator and machines are located.Generally, said machines require the use of at least two sensory organsystems, i.e. the vision and proprioception and the motor function ofthe hand or hands of said operator. Device 1 makes the design of saidmachines and workstation more compatible with the biomechanical designof a human operator. Device 1 makes computer and its accessories morefriendly to said operator. Therefore, the discomfort and injuries tosaid machine operator are reduced or eliminated.

[0018] Device 1 comprises means for preventing said operator fromassuming a slouchy posture. Means for preventing said slouchy posture isa truncated seat 2. Seat 2 comprises a truncated shell 3 which is aplatform shell means for supporting only the buttocks and the adjacenttendomuscular junction of the muscles of the posterior thighs of saidoperator. Therefore, the fore-and-aft dimension 4 of truncated shell 3only accommodates the part of the buttocks and adjacent proximal portionof the posterior thighs of said operator sitting on shell 3. Truncatedshell 3 causes said operator to assume an ergonomic posture when sittingon seat 2 of device 1. In said posture, an imaginary plumb line passesand remains within the cervicothoracolumbosacral arcs of the spine ofsaid operator. This is a non-slouchy posture that minimally stresses andstrains the spines of the body.

[0019] Device 1 further comprises a thoracolumbar rest 5 which alsoenforces said erect posture and prevents the slouchy posture of saidoperator. Rest 5 comprises a posterior thoracic supporting component 6whereon the posterior thoracic region of said operator rests. Rest 5also comprises a posterior lumbar propping component 7 to prop thelumbar region of said operator. Rest 5 comprises a sacral window 8through which the sacrum and a portion of the buttocks of said operatorprotrude.

[0020] Rest 5 further comprises an anti-slouching strut 9 means forsupporting and engaging rest 5 with the thoracolumbar region of saidoperator. In addition, strut 9 also transmits the resultant force ofsaid engagement between said operator and rest 5 to remaining part ofdevice 1. The shape of strut 9 can be straight or curve although thelatter is a preferred embodiment.

[0021] Together with truncated seat 3, thoracolumbar rest 5 and sacralwindow 8 cause an operator sitting on device 1 to assume an erectposture thence the implementation of the ergonomic posture of saidoperator. This is the nonslouchy posture that minimally stresses andstrains the spine of said operator.

[0022] During the manufacturing and transporting processes, any and allsaid component members device 1 may be manufactured as a combined unitor as separate component members. For example, shell 3 and rest 5 may bemade as one unit from a single mold or die. However, it is obvious toone skill in the art that shell 3 and rest 5 should be manufactured astwo separate components. Therefore, fabrication of device 1 from shell 3and rest 5 can be finely tuned at the workstation and adjustablycompounded to fit different operators sharing same device 1 to fulfillthe objectives so stated in this application. For example, strut 9 canhave a range of lengths each of which can be deployed to accommodatedifferent sizes including heights and habitus of different operatorsusing same device 1. Said variable lengths are represented by singlebidirection-arrow 10. Several design of shell 3 can be had toaccommodate the length of strut 9 including, but not limited to, a wedge11 in shell 3. A screw 12, or a plurality of screws, is used to fix alength of strut 9 and to absorb and transmit the resultant force of saidengagement between said operator and rest 5 to the remaining portion ofdevice 1.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, strut 9 may be a single narrowstrut member. However, strut 9 with sacral window 8 is the preferredembodiment. The latter preferred embodiment is due to the need toaccommodate various curves of the spine and different body habitus ofsaid operator.

[0024] Various types of cushion 13 such as, but not limited to, foam andinflatable with a flow-regulating valves 14 and 15 may be used. Not onlysaid cushions are intended for comfort but also to provide frictionalforce acting as a traction to affix said bodily parts of said operatorto seat 2 and rest 5.

[0025] Device 1 also comprises a stem 16 and base 17 either withoutcaster or with a plurality of casters 18. Stem 16 may be able to swivelabove base 17. Base 17 may be fitted with casters 18 that allow themovement of device 1 in the workplace.

[0026] Device 1 further comprises means for maintaining several musclesattaching to and in the neck, shoulders and upper extremities of saidoperator in relaxed, minimally active or nonactive state. This isdefined as a position wherein said operator's upper arms are close to orin an almost-perfect anatomical position, the operating hands beingbelow the surface whereon said machine is employed. In this position,the forearms are prone by the rotation about the ulnoradial joint andthe operating hands engages instruments such as, but not limited to,keyboard, mouse, touch pad, click buttons, scroll wheels, toggle rod andthe like. Said instruments and said hands are repositioned to be next,adjacent or as close as possible to the thighs of said operator. Inother words, said hands and said instruments are removed from thesurface or workstation on which other components of said machine suchas, but not limited to, computer monitor and CPU are. Said hands andinstruments in this setting are below said surface and workstation.

[0027] The following description depict other component members ofdevice 1 operating in said settings and circumstances.

[0028] Device 1 further comprises a platform pad 19 for maneuvering andattaching a computer mouse, touch pad and accessories and the like (notshown in the figure). Platform pad 19 and said mouse, touch pad andaccessories and the like have means for attaching to the surfaces ofplatform pad 19. Said means for attaching is such as, but not limitedto, loops-and-hooks means 20 including VELCRO. Moreover, said means forattaching allow said mouse, touch pad and accessories and the like to beheld by and prevented from falling off platform pad 19 during use or asplatform pad 19 is versatilely moved, swiveled and positioned aboutdevice 1.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, without platform pad 19, acomputer touch pad 22 and all said accessories such as, but not limitedto, click and scroll buttons and wheels and the like are attacheddirectly to any and all said component members of device 1. Said touchpad and accessories are adaptable to be versatilely moved, swiveled andpositioned about said component members of device 1.

[0030] Similarly, device 1 further comprises a platform means forholding a computer keyboard 21 and touch pad 22 and means for attachingand holding said keyboard (not shown in the figure). Said keyboard hasmeans for attaching to said platform means. Said means for attaching issuch as, but not limited to, adhesive or binding glues andloops-and-hooks means including VELCRO. Said platform is versatilelymoved, swiveled and positioned about any and all other components ofdevice 1.

[0031] Platform pad 19 may be incorporated into platform means forholding a computer keyboard 21 so that pad 19 can be reversiblyretracted into said platform means 21 as represents by straightbidirection-arrow 24.

[0032] Another preferred embodiment is, without said platform means forholding a computer keyboard 21, said computer keyboard is held andattached to any and all other components of device 1.

[0033] Means for moving, swiveling and positioning of said pad 19,keyboard 21 and touch pad 22 and said accessories are such as, but notlimited to, bracket, hinge, bar, rod 23, screw, nut, bolt means forattaching and moving, swiveling and positioning. These movement,swiveling and positions are represented by bidirection-arrows 25 and 26.

[0034] Alteratively, using a stem and a base (not shown in the figure),platform pad 19, touch pad, keyboard and all said accessories may standindependent of said components of device 1 without departing from thespirit and claims of the present invention.

[0035] Device 1 further comprises a camera means for visualizing saidhands, keyboard, touch pad and mouse, accessories and the like (notdemonstrated in the figure). The compact camera unit transmitsinformation of a position of said hands and fingers relative to thekeys, touch pad, scroll buttons and wheels and the like to a displayscreen at said operator's eye level. Therefore, said operator does nothave to flex and extend the neck to look between various components andsaid instruments of said machine.

[0036] Device 1 including any and all of its components can bemanufactured from various materials such as, but not limited to, metals,alloys, plastics and various other man-made substances which are light,durable, strong and able to support the weight of said operator andequipment and to maintain said posture.

[0037] Having described the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, it is to be understood that the present invention is notlimited to said precise embodiments. Various changes, adaptations,modifications, configurations and geometrical designs of device 1 andany and all of its component members may be effected by individualskills in the art without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention and the scope of the claims.

[0038] Finally, it is obvious that the present invention may be adapted,used and applied in other settings and circumstances and with otherobjects and machines without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention and the scope of the claims.

1. A man-computer interfacing device means for eliminating theincompatibility between the biomechanical design of a computer operatorand the design of a computer and a computer workstation wherein saidoperator functions comprises: means for preventing a slouchy posture ofsaid operator; antigravity means for preventing said slouchy posture ofsaid operator; means for implementing an erect posture of said operator;means for positioning computer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons andwheels below a surface whereon a display screen and monitor of saidcomputer are; means for preventing object from falling off said meansfor positioning computer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels;means for modifying the workstation domain; and means for supportingsaid means for positioning computer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttonsand wheels below a surface whereon a display screen and monitor of saidcomputer are.
 2. The man-computer interfacing device means according toclaim 1 wherein said means for preventing a slouchy posture of saidoperator is a truncated seat comprising: a platform shell means forsupporting only the buttocks and the adjacent posterior thighs of saidoperator; a stem means for supporting said platform shell means; and abase means for supporting said stem means for supporting said platformshel.
 3. The man-computer interfacing device means according to claim 1wherein said antigravity means for preventing said slouchy posture ofsaid operator comprises: a thoracolumbar rest comprising a means forsupporting the posterior thoracic region; means for propping forpropping forward the lumbar region; and means for rearward positioningof the sacral region of said operator.
 4. The man-computer interfacingdevice means according to claim 1 wherein said means for implementing anerect posture of said operator is a truncated seat comprising: aplatform shell means for supporting only the buttocks and the adjacentposterior thighs of said operator; and a cushion means for positioningsaid buttocks and said posterior thighs in a position on said platformshell.
 5. The man-computer interfacing device means according to claim 1wherein said means for implementing an erect posture of said operator isa thoracolumbar rest comprising: component means for supporting theposterior thoracic region; component means for propping forward thelumbar region; means for rearward positioning of the sacral region ofsaid operator; a cushion means for positioning said posterior thoracicand lumbar regions in a position; and a strut means.
 6. The means forrearward positioning of the sacral region of said operator in claim 5 isa sacral window in said thoracolumbar rest.
 7. The man-computerinterfacing device means according to claim 1 wherein said means forpositioning computer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheelsbelow a surface whereon a display screen of said computer is comprises aplatform pad means for maneuvering and attaching a computer mouseadaptable to versatilely attach to, move and swivel about said means forimplementing an erect posture of said operator.
 8. The man-computerinterfacing device means according to claim 1 wherein said means forpositioning computer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheelsbelow a surface whereon a display screen and monitor of said computerare comprises a platform means for mounting said computer keyboard,mouse, touch pad, click buttons and scroll wheels adaptable toversatilely attach, move and swivel about said means for implementing anerect posture of said operator.
 9. The man-computer interfacing devicemeans according to claim 1 wherein said means for positioning computerkeyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels below a surface whereon adisplay screen and monitor of said computer are comprises a computertouch pad, click buttons and scroll wheels adaptable to versatilelyattach to, move and swivel about said means for implementing an erectposture of said operator.
 10. The man-computer interfacing device meansaccording to claim 1 wherein said means for positioning computerkeyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels below a surface whereon adisplay screen and monitor of said computer are comprises a platformmeans for holding a computer keyboard adaptable to attach to, move andswivel about said means for implementing an erect posture of saidoperator.
 11. The man-computer interfacing device means according toclaim 1 wherein said means for positioning computer keyboard, mouse,touch pad, buttons and wheels below a surface whereon a display screenand monitor of said computer are comprises a computer keyboard adaptableto hold and attach a computer mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels andversatilely attach to, move and swivel about said means for implementingan erect posture of said operator.
 12. The man-computer interfacingdevice means according to claim 1 wherein said means for positioningcomputer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels below a surfacewhereon a display screen and monitor of said computer are comprises ahook-and-loop means for reversibly binding a first surface of a firstobject to a second surface of said means for positioning computerkeyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels below a surface whereon adisplay screen and monitor of said computer are.
 13. The man-computerinterfacing device means according to claim I wherein said means formodifying the workstation domain is a platform pad means for maneuveringa computer mouse adaptable to versatilely attach to, move and swivelabout said means for implementing an erect posture of said operator. 14.The man-computer interfacing device means according to claim 1 whereinsaid means for modifying the workstation domain is a platform means forholding a computer touch pad, click buttons and scroll wheels adaptableto versatilely attach, move and swivel about said means for implementingan erect posture of said operator.
 15. The man-computer interfacingdevice means according to claim 1 wherein said means for modifying theworkstation domain is a platform means for holding a computer keyboardadaptable to attach, move and swivel about said means for implementingan erect posture of said operator.
 16. The man-computer interfacingdevice means according to claim 1 wherein said means for modifying theworkstation domain is a computer keyboard adaptable to hold and attach acomputer mouse, touch pad, click buttons and scroll wheels andversatilely attach to, move and swivel about said means for implementingan erect posture of said operator.
 17. The man-computer interfacingdevice means according to claim I wherein said means for supporting saidmeans for positioning computer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons andwheels below a surface whereon a display screen and monitor of saidcomputer are comprises bracket, hinge, bar, rod, screw, bolt means forattaching, moving and swiveling said means for positioning about andaround said means for implementing an erect posture of said operator.18. The man-computer interfacing device means according to claim 1wherein said aid means for supporting said means for positioningcomputer keyboard, mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels below a surfacewhereon a display screen and monitor of said computer are comprises astem and a base.
 19. A device means for separating and distancingcomponent members of a computer to accommodate the biomechanical designof a computer operator to reduce stress and strain on the bones and softtissues of said operator comprises: means for preventing a slouchyposture of said operator; antigravity means for preventing said slouchyposture of said operator; means for implementing an erect posture ofsaid operator; means for positioning computer keyboard, mouse, touchpad, buttons and wheels below a surface whereon a display screen andmonitor of said computer are; means for preventing object from fallingoff said means for positioning computer keyboard, mouse, touch pad,buttons and wheels; means for modifying the workstation domain; andmeans for supporting said means for positioning computer keyboard,mouse, touch pad, buttons and wheels below a surface whereon a displayscreen and monitor of said computer are.